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923 Arch Street. Philadelphie^. 



A Patron of Art 



A FARCE IN ONE ACT 



By Dora Jldele Shoemaker 

cAuthor of *'cA Fighting Chance " 




PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1 3 Ol 



tol 






THE L'BRARY OF 

CONGRESS, 
Two Copies Received 

JUN. 5 1901 

//'COPYfHQHT ENTRY 

CLASS ^XXa No. 
COPY A. 



Copyright 1901 by The Penn Publishing Company 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

As originally produced at The National School Elocution 
and Oratory^ Philadelphia, Fa., Friday, April ij, igoo. 



Mrs. Augusta Alexandria Morley . Edith G. Moses 
A member of forty-tivo clubs and a patron of art 

Genevieve Genevra Morley . . Grace Marliii 
Her daughter 

Jewel Dumont .... Mae G. Young 

Who will speak for herself 

Theresa Blumenshenkel . . Helen Oberley 

A cousin from Reading 

Miss Ernestine Moneyclacker Rittenhouse, 

— Dora A. Shoemaker 
From below Market street 

Marie ...... Canie C. Tilton 

Her maid 

Bridget ..... Mabel McGeorge 

Of Irish descent 



Time — Afternoon. Place — Philadelphia, Mrs. Morley's 
residence, as yet north of Market street. 

Time in representation, one hour. 

Costumes in accordance with characters. 



A Patron of Art 



SCENE. — Reception room Mrs. Morlef s residence. Win- 
doiv hung zuith drapery, up r. Chairs , sofa, etc. Street 
entrance down '^. Hall entrance Q.. in flat. Entrance to 
other parts of house l. u. e. Curtain rises discovering 
Mrs. Morley alone, putting finishing touches to roo?n. 
She speaks ivith affectation. 

Mrs. Morley. There, that seems to look aesthetically 
intellectual. To combine thus the feeling and the mind is 
to make a soul union that grosser natures can never — can 

never — now what shall I say ? — Where's my dictionary 

Oh, I know ! Can never — consummate to — at No, to. 

Indeed I should keep a list of convenient words at hand. 
Now this compartment must appear effective, for to-day I 
expect the new music teacher, the new nurse maid, and, 
ah ! Miss Ernestine Moneyclacker Rittenhouse. {Strikes 
attitude.) What a delightful intellectual-financio-social ring 
that name has to it. I must impress her, for she is my open 
sesame to the four hundred, and I as a patron of arts and 
sciences — indeed of the arts and sciences ancient and modern 
— must. ( Crash outside — Mrs. Morley////j- hands to ears. ) 
My sensitive eardrums ! There's that awful child again ! 
She breaks in so upon one's soul soliloquies. If she only 
had some life to her, some — some bete noir — I think that's 
the word. 

{Enter Genevieve, l. looking frightened.) 

Genevieve. Can I come in? 

Mrs. Morley. Certainly not. This is the reception 
room, not the nursery. Go at once — if I have time before 
attending the Soulful Union, The Chib for the Ethical Chil- 
dren's Home and the Mothers' Meeting I'll see you for a 
moment. 

5 



6 A PATRON OF ART 

Genevieve. But, mamma 

Mrs. Morlev. Withdraw this instant. 

Genevieve, Do what ? 

Mrs. Morley (excitedly). Can't you understand Eng- 

hsh — withdraw — retire — absent yourself (^As child 

stands ivith open mouth.) Go out ! 

(^Exit Genevieve l. tripping in her haste.) 

Mrs. Morley. Such awkwardness ! The idea of lier 
coming in here ! Miss Rittenhouse might have appeared at 
any moment, and oh ! ye shades of Tolstoi and George 
Eliot — I wonder who he was — these books have never been 
arranged. {Shifting volumes^) There, that's a history of 
the famous Quaker family Morley. To be sure Gussie isn't 
mentioned, but there is an Alexandria on the first page. 
Now to bethumb those Greek books that liave just arrived — 
I wonder which way is right side up. (Business.) A few 
lead pencil marks. (Business.) Cut these pages and oh, 

yes, place one of these fresh flowers in — near the end, so 

(Picks up neivspaper.) Here's that advertisement 1 an- 
swered. How symmetrically it reads. (Reads.) "Child's 
nurse, thoroughly capable and trustworthy, having served in 
the royal family. A fluent conversationalist, of Irish de- 
scent." Now that reads auspiciously. (Ring heard off yl. 
Mrs. Morley immediately puts herself to rights, rushes to 
draperies and looks out.) It is she at last. AVhat soul- 
relishing feathers — what mindful taste in colors. I will 
stand here as though just arriving. (Down. L.) As she 
enters I'll rush forward. 

Voice (outside). You'll find her in the reception room. 

(^Enter Bridget r., and turns to gaze about, so that Mrs. 
Morley /// coming to her does not see face.) 

Mrs. Morley. My darling Miss ( Takes her hands. 

Glajices up.) Horrors ! (Business.) 

Bridget. Good-mornin', the top ave the mornin' (i 
afthernoon as it is, to yer — yer quoite a darlint yersilf wid 
thot plisant look on yer swate face. (Aside.) I wonder if 
it'll freeze thot way. 

Mrs. Morley (recovering herself and aside). I must 
impress her. She's too big to handle otherwise, (ll'ith 
much manner.) Ah ! my soul's eye descries you as Bridget 
Donohue 



A PATRON OF ART y 

Bridget (iiiterruptur;). Yer sowl has a good eye at 
that, mum. 

j\Irs. Morley {coutinuiii^ and comnicnci/iq to soar'). 
Whose genealogical and ethicalistic biography I plucked 
before my last eve's repining from the hidden depths of the 
— of the — the — newspaper. {Bridget stands takim^ it all 
in.) My soul 

Bridget {Jookin'^ about). Have you it wid you, mum? 

Mrs. Morley (^loftily). Have I what with me ? 

Bridget. Yer sowl. Anny time you lose it jist adver- 
toise in the Oitem, and ye'll get annything yer want, from 
a green harp to a black oi. 

Mrs. Morley. Now Bridget can you take care of chil- 
dren — well-bred — well brought-up children? 

Brid(;et. I kin thot, mum. (^Aside.) Look at me 
sthrong hand. 

Mrs. Morley. This child must have nothing but good 
English — I do not wish her to learn the street slang. 

Bridget. Trust Bridget fer thot. The Prince of Whales 
used ter take a lisson in the ''Quane's Henglish " from me 
ivery day. 

Mrs. Morley. Have you any reputations written out ? 

Bridget. Phwat, mum? Oh, you mane a rifference? 
Vis, I hev fourteen av thim. [Aside.) Tin thot I wrote 
mesilf, the other four not bein' desirable to be seen. 

Mrs. Morley. Now, as to wages, or shall I term it 
salary ? 

Bridget. Honorarium, mum. Seein' it's you, mum, 
I'll take siven dollars ivry wake, to be paid in advance fer 
the heavy wurruk. 

Mrs. Morley. Very \vell. Now, I think you'll suit, 
Bridget. Of course you must do your duty by the dear 
chilli, who loves her sweet home. (^IValks to door r.) 

Bridget {aside). Home, swate home, is it? Oi think 
so, nit, — as the Frinch people soy. (^To Mrs. Morley.) 
Ferst mum, Oi'd loike to ask a few quistions, plaze. 

Mrs. Morley (aside). What can she mean? [Turn- 
ing.) Well? 

Bridget. Hev yez a pianny? 

Mrs. Morley {impatiently). Certainly, my daughter is 
just commencing her lessons. Why did you wish to 
know ? 

Bridget. Oh ! Oi occasional strum a little mesilf whin 



8 A PATRON OF ART 

there's a instrument av thot koind of torture around. An' 
hev yez a coachman ? 

Mrs. Morley. Of course. Why ? 

Bridget. An' is he married? 

Mrs. Morley. Yes — he is. 

Bridget (^going towards door r.). Thin Oi'U not sthay. 

Mrs. Morley. His wife's dead. 

Bridget {turning^. Indade, an' she not Hvin' wid him 
at all at all. Oi think Oi'U sthay afther all. 

Mrs. Morley. Come now, Bridget, I'm a woman of 
many functions, and I must not procrastinate. This way. 

(^Exit both L. Enter Jewel r. with music roll. Bell rings 
off R.) 

Jewel. Well, here I am in the funniest one of my wild 
ventures. It's in a good cause, though, as it's all for his 
sake, and that babe Genevieve. I wonder if I look the 
part all right. [Surveys herself.) Jewel Dumont — music 
teacher — ha, ha. (^Door bell rings.) There's the bell. 
I'll just run across the hall into the music room and wait for 
her august presence. 

[Exit Jewel c.) 

Mrs. Morley (rushing in l.). I'm sure that's Ernestine 
now. This I think is my proper pose. {Assu?nes attitude 
of thought. ) 

{Efiter Theresa r. Sa?ne business as before, Mrs. Mor- 
ley rushing up and kissing her cheeks.) 

Mrs. Morley. My sweet Ernestine. How dear of you. 
(^Looks up. Business as before.) 

Theresa. Dot vas von nice greetings, from you. You 
got von shmile — nice. 

Mrs. Morley. How dare you insult me. Who are you? 
My soul has no acquaintance with your kind. 

Theresa. Den dot soul from yours don't tells de truths. 
It should have dem spectacles — forme? Vy ! Dotcousin- 
mit-law from yours, Theresa Blumenshenkel \ot comes to 
make a wisit. Verstehest net ? 

Mrs. Morley {aside). Ye gods, is that creature going 
to stay here ? 

Theresa, You got no hello for me, ain't it? 



A PATRON OF ART 9 

Mrs. Morley {aside). A cousin of my late husband. I 
can't put her out. Well, I'll be absent and Bridget can 
entertain her. {Aloud.) Ah, Theresa, you must arrange 
to stay with me over night. 

Theresa. No, no. 

Mrs. Morley. But indeed you must. 

Theresa. No, cousin-mit-law, for I already makes my 
blaiis to shtay two veeks. 

Mrs. Morley. Two weeks, why with whom ? 

Theresa, Vy ! Wis you, my crand cousin-mit-law. 

Mrs. Morley {aside). What shall I do ! {Riji<r at 
door bell off R.) Oh, dear, that must be Ernestine, and I 
should faint to have her see this old hag. (Up l., aloud.) 
Come, Theresa, I'll show you to your room. 

Theresa. In a minute, cousin-mit-law. Dis room has 

no furniture to speak of — not a organ {Doorbell 

again.) 

Mrs. Morley {aside). That beastly butler. {Aloud.) 
Come, come at once, I think that bell's for a fire. {Drag- 
ging her L. ) 

Theresa (j-/;;'/<f4'///^). Ach, a fire ! Ver? Ver? 

{Exit both L., as Ernestine ajid maid enter r. Theresa 

leaves umbrella. ) 

Ernestine {to fnaid, who waits at door). Come in, 
why do you remain there? — Stupid. Unfasten my veil. 
You are jerking my hat. Well, why don't you remove it? 
There. {To herself.) Now who was that old fright who 
went out as we entered ? I'll wager Mrs. Morley would be 
perfectly furious if she thought I had seen her. ( To maid, 
who is 7vaiting with veil.) What are you doing? Put it 
down. I never heard of such impudence. {Sees umbrella 
and points to it.) Now that's a nice article of furniture. 
{Raises it daintily in fingers.) The inevitable association 
in such a locality — can't help it — I must have entrance to 
those last fourteen clubs and she can put me in — besides, 
there's the boy — my hat is set for him, and a Rittenhouse 
never does that but once. He certainly is the real thing. 
I wonder how Mrs. Ernestine Rittenhouse Morley will 
sound. {To maid, who is taking it all in.) For goodness 
sake don't stand around listening to every word I say. Ar- 
range the lowest pin in the left hand side of my collar. Oh, 
I wish you'd sit down, you make me feel so fatigued. {As 



10 A PATRON OF ART 

maii would obey.) How dare you in my presence 

Stand up. 

Marie. Miss, you told me to 

Ernestine. Don't presume to answer back. Did I not 
remark distinctly that you were to call me mademoiselle ? 
I shall discharge you in about five seconds. (Mrs. Morlev 
cnte7's unseen from l.) For being the most inarticulate!) 

brainless idiot that I ever hope to meet on this side 

{Sees Mrs. Morlev. Instant chans^e.) Oh, you dear, to 
slip in {takes both her hands), and hear me rehearsing for 
our new play. {^Business for Marie.) You know we busy 
people begrudge an unoccupied moment. 

Mrs. Morlev. My darling Ernestine, allow me as a 
patron of art and a fond club member to welcome you with 

one of my favorite Greek quotations {^Quotation. 

Aside.) I know that was the wrong way round. 

Ernestine. How sweet of you. But we pronounce our 
Greek so differently. (Mrs. Morlev anxiously consults 
books. Aside.) The only Greek I ever read was her last 
letter. {^Aloiid to maid.) Marie, carry my veil to the car- 
riage and wait for us. 

Mrs. Morlev. How clever you are, my dear, so that we 
may be alone. Now do be seated while we talk plans. This 
afternoon the four meetings we spoke of. To-morrow a. al — 

Ernestine. I golf — ah! — I go off to my Cercle Fran- 
9aise. {^Aside.) Nearly a break. 

Mrs. Morlev. And in the afternoon ? 

Ernestine. The football game. 

Mrs. Morlev. The what? 

Ernestine. Au Ballon jeu 

Mrs. Morlev. Of course — certainly. {^Aside.) What 
does she mean? 

Ernestine. Ah, my dear — may I not call you Mrs. 
Gussie ? 

Mrs. Morlev. Oh, not that odious name, but greet \wki 
with x\lexandria, my middle name. 

Ernestine. A family name? 

Mrs. Morlev. Yes. {Aside.) I hunted it up thr( e 
weeks ago. {Aloud.) Now I must tell you as a young dis- 
ciple of clubs of the beautiful influence and wonderful mi - 
tual helpfuhiess of these women's associations. Club lile 
puts a woman on her feet, gives her a chance in all branches 
of occupations, — broadens, educates, enlivens and fills her 



A PATRON OF ART II 

with that all-pervading charitableness for her neighbor, — 
and by the way, darling Ernestine, at the first club we visit 
be sure to be excessively disagreeable to the secretary, and 
at the third meeting don't speak in any way to the creature 
that wormed herself in for president. My clique is now 
working to overthrow that party at the next election, and I 
may safely add that as I am — a patron of the arts and sci- 
ences — and a member of every well-known club in town — 1 
may expect too — well, to be given such an office as I — as I 
— deserve. 

{Enter Bridget c.) 

Bridget. If yez plaze, mum, the new music teacher's in 
the pianny room. 

(^E liter Jewel c. ) 

Jewel. Mrs. Morley, I believe. {They bow?) 

Theresa {enterin.'^ l.). I haf my umbrella 

Mrs. Morley [much worked up). Just retire. I'll see 
you all in a moment. Bridget, attend to Genevieve. 

{^Exit Jewel and Bridget c.) 

Theresa {admiring Ernestine, who in turn uses lor- 
gnettes'). My goodness alive ! Vat a crand dress ! Ah ! 
It's too bad, you haf sore eyes, ain't it ? 

Mrs. Morlev. Go at once, Theresa. {^Aside.) Do go, 
I will explain later. 

Theresa. Ja, I must get vonce first my umbrella. 

(Ernestine hiughs as Mrs. Morley turns away in de- 
spair. Exit Theresa l. with umbrella.) 

Mrs. Morlev. Having too many servants is almost 
worse than too few. 

Ernestine {archly). Yes, I should judge so. 

Mrs. Morley {preparing to go). I quite agree with 
Mrs. Blaine, of Chicago 

Ernestine. That servants should constitute relay 
races 

Mrs. Morley. And people of wealth should be rated 
by the number employed, the proper time for domestics 
being {Both going toward door r.) 

Ernestine. Five minutes each, with then a grateful rest. 

Mrs. Morley {aside, allowing Ernestine to pass out 



T2 A PATRON OF ART 

R.). What exquisitely patriarchal ideas she has. If I only 
can hold her. 

{Exit Mrs. Morley r. as Jewel enters c.) 

Jewel. Well, this is the worst. In her excitement Mrs. 
Morley has gone off without seeing me. Bridget is at pres- 
ent monopolizing the music room instructing the coachman 
on the piano. Genevieve is with Miss Blumenshenkel — I 
like that Dutch woman and I believe she'll help me out. 
Poor little Genevieve — Tom told me how it was, and I'll do 
my best for Tom — Mrs. Jewel Morley — that sounds all 
right. I guess his mother would turn the direction of her 
toes fast enough if she knew what was really occurring. But 
— something must be done. I'll see Dutchy first thing. 

(^Exit Jewel l. Eiite?- Bridget a7id Genevieve c. Gene- 
vieve eating an immense piece of cake, her blouse filled 
with apples.^ 

Bridget. Me darlint Jinniveeve, ye hev the appetite of 
a goat sure. That's the third pace to me knowin' and four 
country apples tucked in the blouse of yez. 

Genevieve. Well, Bridget, Cousin Theresa gave 'em to 
me, and I was so hungry, and mamma watches me eat like 
a hawk. 

Bridget. And faith, thin, how do yez ate loike thot? 

Genevieve. I mean she watches me eat — like a hawk. 

Bridget. Yez mane loike a hawk — she watches yez ate. 

Genevieve. Oh, yes, Bridget, and I never dare have 
but a pinch of anything, and I do like you and Miss Du- 
mont and Cousin Theresa. I believe I'm going to begin to 
have a good time. It's been so lonely — I'm not even al- 
lowed to go to school. Bridget, do you know any stories? 
(Bridget sits on stool and Ge-ne\ieye at her feet.) I'm 
not allowed fairy tales or about ghosts — I must not be. 
frightened. 

Bridget. Yis, darlint, and Oi'll tell you one about gob- 
lings and witches — thim ain't fairies. 

Genevieve {doubtfully). No, I think they'd be all right. 
{Pulls out apple and eats.~) 

Bridget. Well, onc't they wuz a little goirl and she'd 
bten lift all alone be hersilf widout anny one else — (Gene- 
vieve puts hand on Bridget's k?tee) and ivrything wuz all 



A PATRON OF ART 1 3 

dark — terruble dark — and she saw oies a-lookin' (Gene- 
vieve busi/iess) at her and they wuz tlie gobhngs 

Genevieve. Oh-h-h-h ! 

Bridget. Yis, and they grabbed her quick loike this ! 
(Genevieve screams.') Are you skeered ? 

Genevieve. No — I — I'm not scared — I'm just — jusf 
thinking. 

Bridget (impressively). And they took her at onc't to 
Fiddler's Green 

Genevieve. Where's that? 

Bridget. It's where the ould b'y wathers his monkies, 
siventeen thousand fathoms below — the other place. {Point- 
ing down ; Genevieve with hands still on Bridget's knees 
gradually raises herself and looks straight into Bridget's 
eyes intently.) And there they wuz nothin' but ghosts 

Genevieve. I can't have ghosts 

Bridget. Be aisy now, I nivir said ghosts. Yer break- 
ing me train av thought — me sowl won't be able to find it 
again at all at all. 

Genevieve. Oh, don't, that's like mamma. I hate peo- 
ple with souls. 

Bridget. Well, these things wuz nothin' but cratr.rs 
that you could see roight through and ogres and witches 
wid wan oi, two teeth and three hairs to their head 

Genevieve. Did they have souls ? 

Bridget. No, Oi think they'd lost thim an ther way 
down, so to shpake — and the little gurl wuz that nice and 
fat thot they all wanted to ate her up 

Genevieve. Oh, dear, am I fat ? 

Bridget. Jist about roight, my dear, an' wan av thim 
sez he'd have her brains and another wanted her purty fin- 
gers for soup, and the third 

[Enter Theresa ^7/^ Jewel l.) 

Jewel. Why, Bridget, that child looks frightened U 
death. What are you telling her ? 

Bridget (prising). Jist the histhry of me counthry, 
mum. 

Jewel. And Genevieve, what is the matter with your 
blouse ? 

Genevieve. It's only apples — please let me keep them, 
Miss Dumont, I'm having such a good time. 

Jewel. Very well, run along with Bridget, I'll give you 



14 A PATRON OF ART 

your lesion in a few minutes. Have }Our hands washed 
awhile. 

Genevieve {(Js she and Bridget exit l.). And what 
did the third want, Bridget ? 

Jewel. Now, Miss Blumenshenkel, I think we under- 
stand each other and agree that some severe measures must 
he taken at once. Genevieve, poor lonely child, has no 
bringing up at all, and Mrs. Morley is acting like 

Theresa. Like von pig fool. 

Jew^el. I guess you are right, the question is what to do. 
I'm just here as a music teacher, and of course, will come 
only twice a week, but we must make some plan to bring 
the misguided lady to her senses, and turn this benighted 
home into a pleasant place once more. 

Theresa. Vat she needs is von grosse shock. {Scream 
heard outside.') 

{Enter Bridget l., running.) 

Bridget. Miss Duniont, for hivin's sake come quick — 
it's Jinniveeve — she's burrnt up. 

Jewel {to Theresa hastily as she exits l.). Ring up 
Mrs. Morley at once on the telephone. 

Theresa (near door l.). Vas? Vas? A'as ? Ach ! 
on vat must 1 up-ring her? {Sees telephone.) IJe leelle 
black box, dere ist in Reading von vat it looks like. I von- 
der ! {Goes to it.) Ring eh? Veil, dot I vill do. 
{Rings a lon^r time, puts mouth to wrong end at first. 
Hears voice and jumps away. Returns.) Vy, it shpoke 
somedings, you leetle imp. {Picks it up.) It shpeaks a 
lot — ah, hello, you cousin-mit-law ! Vas? No — I ain't 
so busy. No, it's cousin-mit-law. — Vy, it keeps righd on 
talking chust the same as ven I talk. — Call off? Vat I call 
off wis, vill I ? — You too busy ? — Veil I cannot helps dot, 
ain't it? Everyting's burnin' oup. — Too busy — too busy 
— veil I 'opes ve all bourns oup if she's too busy as dot, 
{drops instrument) and everyting's all burning oup. 

{Enter Jewel l.) 

Jewel. \Vell, it's fortunate all the way through, the 
child's all right but badly frightened. Some clothes hang- 
ing too near the grate caught fire, and the plucky youngster 
tried to put out the blaze. She's burned her hand slightly, 



A PATRON OF ART 1 5 

but I'm a physician's daughter and fixed her up nicely — 

and I have a beautiful idea Have you telephoned? 

{^Groans on seeing instrument and fixes it.) 

Theresa. Ja, but she chust said offer und offer vonce 
more in a leetle queer voice dot she vas busy too much. 
She von't listen, you vill tell her offer and offer und den 
wride it und shtill she vill say, *' Busy, busy, busy." 

Jewel {Jaii<^hs heartily). Well now you run and help 
Bridget, she's in the secret and I think we may trust her. 

I'heresa. a secret, vas? 

Jewel. Why, don't you see We'll scare Mrs. Mor- 

ley into her senses. Bridget is to partly burn the clothes 
that Genevieve has been wearing. The child is too fright- 
ened to notice ; then I have bandaged her hands in im- 
mense unnecessary cloths, and now I'll send a well colored 
message. 

Theresa. All righd, I'll go und help. 

i^Exit Theresa c.) 

Jewel {at telephone, ringing np). Hello, Central, 
Women's Ethical Club — yes — No. 324. {Pause.) This 
appeal must go right to the mother's heart, whatever of that 

she possesses Hello — yes — is Mrs. Morley there ? Tell 

her to come at once. Hello ! (/// assumed voice.) Oh, 
Mrs. Morley, do come at once — Genevieve badly burned. 

We've managed to save the house and the clothes except 

Good, she's gone already. {Puts away 'phone and rings 
off.) She screamed at the first, too, that's a good sign. 
Now it will hardly be a moment until she arrives, as the 
clubhouse is such a near neighbor. {Sitting doiun.) If 
the babe is just real white it will give an elegant effect and 
I told Bridget to fix her up with some cornstarch. I know 
it's a deception and I despise such, but the fire was true 
enough — a Providence, I should say as long as no one is 
seriously hurt. {Bell rings off r. Jewel jumps up.) 
There's the carriage. Now for a long face. Oh, I wouldn't 
do this for any one, but — but — ^just — {takes out locket, looks 
at it and kisses it) but just you 

Mrs. Morlev {rushing in.) Genevieve, my child — my 
babe— oh. Miss Dumont, tell me. {Throws arms around 
her and sobs hysterically.) 

Jewel. Just sit right down, Mrs. Morley, and I'll in- 
quire if you can see her yet. 



l6 A PATRON OF ART 

Mrs. Morley. See her ! My own child ! — What do 
you mean — is she dead ? 

Jewel. Patience, be cahii — she's not dead — but of 
course as you have never — well — seen anything of her, so 
to speak, she naturally would rather not have you with her 
at this trying time. 

Mrs. Morley {shaking Jewel by the shoulders). 
How dare you ! My own child, my Genevieve — let me go 
to her at once. 

Jewel {obstructing her way). I must beg of you, Mrs. 
Morley, do not excite the child. 

Mrs. Morley. But I am her mother 

Jewel. Yes, but yet you must realize that having been 
absent so much really makes a difference, and we find that 
she seems to fancy Bridget 

Mrs. Morley {screams). Bridget — she loves Bridget 

rather than Oh, never, never {Si?iks into a chair 

and sobs hysterically.) 

Jewel {goes back of her chair, lays ha?id affectionately 
on her shoulder). Just be a little quiet, Mrs. Morley, and 
I'll see how things are coming along. {Aside.) Pretty 
well, I should judge. 

{Exit Jewel l.) 

Mrs. Morley. Ah, woe is me — and this is my reward 
for lending all my strength for the cause of woman's ad- 
vancement ! Have I been blind to the best in life ? It 
seems — yes, verily — as if some scales had dropped from 
my eyes — I see clearly. It is all so different. Before me 
stand my home, my child — my duty. {Pointing to photo- 
graph on table.) Alas, that picture adds to my remorse, 
oh, Alfred — why were you taken from ,me that I should 
make this miserable mistake — see, the picture is smiling — 
it has always seemed so stern and forbidding, but yes, — 
yes, it smiles again. Ah, Alfred (kneeling before table and 
photograph) at last you have forgiven me. 

{Enter l. Theresa ««^ Genevieve affectionately; Genevieve 
is bandaged and ivears burned apparel. Bridget and 
Jewel folloiv. Mrs. Morley quickly rises.) 

Genevieve (turns to Theresa). There's mamma, she'll 
be so cross. 



A PATRON OF ART 1 7 

Mrs. Morley. Ye angels, help me, what have I done ? 
Genevieve darling {holding out hands') come to me. 

Genevieve. But mamma {comes forivayd) I'm burned, 
and perhaps you're too busy. 

Mrs. Morley (^on knees putting arms around Ge^'eniewe). 
Never — Genevieve — never again. 

Theresa {pointing at them with thumb). Veil — perhabs 
not — it listens like it. {Belt rings. ) But vy does she say 
to me "• Busy — busy — busy — call offer again? " 

Ernestine {follozved by maid enters hastily r. as Mrs. 
Morley rises). What does this mean? They were just 
about to make you president, and out you rushed. Now 
there's some catch and they'll have to wait. 

Mrs. Morley. I fear they will have to wait a long time, 
won't they, Genevieve? 

Ernestine. Besides, you didn't vote me in 

Mrs. Morley. Well, I'll do what I can to influence 
them, but 

Ernestine. It's just for your own sake I wdsh to appear 
well, as I am engaged to marry your son. (Jewel starts 
noticeably.) 

Mrs. Morley. Engaged to marry my son ! 

Jewel. I beg your pardon, Mrs. Morley, I am engaged 
to marry your son. (Aside.) Oh, what have I said? 
(Genera/ surprise. Mrs. Morley looks from one to the 
other in confusion.) 

Mrs. Morley (to Jewel). You engaged to marry 

Erne.^tine (laughing ironically). That's a likely story, 
you a poor music teacher without means or position, while I 
— I am handsome — wealthy — I live below Market street, 
and — my name is Riltenhouse. 

Jewel. You should write a personal biography, it would 

be such rose colored literature. Besides I do not fear you 

for he is as true to me, and I am as true to Tom 

Mrs. Morley. ) ^. ^ 
T- > 1 om ? 

Ernestine. | 

Jewel. Yes, I am engaged to marry Mrs. Morley's only 
son Tom. 

Ernestine. And I am to marry her only son Reginald. 
(Business.) 

Mrs. Morley. Be at rest, children, I understand. 
Ernestine has never heard me mention Tom's name, because 
he left me in anger — yes, in just anger — two years ago. He 



1 8 A PATRON OF ART 

was my only son, but a year later, and Tom could not have 
known this as I have neither seen nor heard of him until to- 
day — a year later 1 adopted my sister's orphaned boy 
Reginald. 

Ernesi'INE. Then I was correct 

Jewel. I beg pardon, I think 

Theresa. Ach, es macht nichts aus — it has come all 
righd oud. 

Bridget. Yis, as Mr. Royal used to say 

Mrs. Morley. Mr. Royal ? 

Bridget. Yis, Mr. Tiddy Royal. Oi told you I 
wurruked in the Royal family for t'ree years. 

Mrs. Morley {to Jewel). And you know where Tom 
is ? My poor dear Tom 

Jewel. Yes, he's been in the West, but I — I think he'll 
soon be outside. He said he would whistle. 

Ernestine. Will you return to the club in my carriage, 
Mrs. Morley? (Jewel and Marie talking toget/ier.) 

Mrs. Morley. No, Ernestine, 1 find that club life is not 
the only thing worth living for. 

Ernestine. And you do not wish me to marry 
Reginald ? 

Mrs. Morley. On the contrary I think it is quite the 
thing. You are most evenly matched. I wish you great 
joy and hope you will be happy. 

Ernestine {(iside). Such insolence ! Marie, my gloves 
at once. 

Marie. Excuse me. Miss 

Ernestine. Not a word 

Marie. I'm just givin' notice. Tve got another place. 
(^Smites at Jewel.) 

Ernestine. Such ingratitude ! Well she had a wretched 
temper, and (^to Jewel) mademoiselle, I will settle with you 
later for this. ( IVith deep courtesy. ) Good-afternoon, ladies ! 

{All how, exit Ernestine, r.) 

Mrs. Morley {taking Jewel's hafids). And Tom sent 
you? 

Jewel. Yes, are you very angry ? He sent me to — 
to 

Mrs. Morley. To bring me to my senses. What is 
your name? 

Genevieve. Her name is Jewel, mamma. 



A PATRON OF ART 



19 



Bridget. And faith thin, thot's phwat she is. 

Theresa. Dos ist righd. 

Mrs. Morlev. Yes, that is true, the brightest Jewel ever 
in my possession. 

Jewel. Ah, but without my accomphces I could have 
(lone nothing. (Bridget and Theresa bow tharacter- 
isticaUy.') 

Mrs. Morley. In that event my friends, I thank you 
too. A pleasant path lies undeserved before me. 1 wish no 
longer to sail under false colors, such as that foolish tide of 
" Patron of Arts and Sciences." What knew 1 of them ? — 
Nor shall I be known as a member of forty-two clubs. One 
will be enough for me, and that will be the Home Club. 
Meetings held here daily. I invite you all and shall try to 
repay my debt, and I thank you all again. 

Genevieve {Jwhlmg out bandaged hands). And I — I 
thank you too. 



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